How to Germinate Mexican Coriander Seeds

Sometimes called culantro, Mexican coriander (Eryngium foetidum) is a biennial or tender perennial herb grown for its fragrant, flavorful leaves. It grows well within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9a to 11, where it will reach a mature height of 6 to 10 inches in one season. Mexican coriander grows well from seeds, which are started indoors six weeks before the last springtime frost. The seeds will germinate effortlessly in about three to four weeks if sown in moist, fast-draining soil. However, they sprout best when provided with continual warmth and should be started on a propagation mat to hasten germination.

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Sow two Mexican coriander seeds in each starter pot. Place two seeds on the loam mixture. Spread a 1/4-inch-thick layer of loam over the seeds. Mist the loam liberally to settle it onto the seeds.

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Arrange the starter pots on a shallow nursery tray with a slatted bottom. Place the nursery tray on a propagation mat near a large, unshaded window with southern or western exposure. Set the temperature on the propagation mat to 75 degrees.

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Drape plastic wrap over the starter pots to increase the warmth and humidity surrounding the Mexican coriander seeds. Do not seal the plastic or secure it in any way since it will trap in too much moisture.

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Water the Mexican coriander seeds with a spray bottle whenever the top 1/4-inch of soil dries out. Lift the plastic wrap and spray the starter pots liberally. Let the water soak in, then put the plastic wrap back in place.

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Watch for germination three weeks after sowing. Remove the plastic and the propagation mat after the seeds sprout. Thin the seedlings to one per starter pot. Snip off the weaker seedling at the base using scissors.

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Grow the Mexican coriander seedlings under bright, sheltered conditions until outdoor soil temperatures warm to 65 degrees and there is no danger of frost. Transplant them six inches apart in a sandy, mildly acidic bed with partial shade.